Shiitake Pieces are the ware-shiitake grade of shiitake mushrooms. These mixed grade shiitake work well in making an all-purpose soup stock, known as "dashi." This simple stock is great for soups, stews, sauces, gravies, noodle broth; and dips for tempura, fried mochi, and fried tofu (agédofu).

Koshin Shiitake are the medium grade shiitake mushrooms. They are a great way to introduce people to the exciting world of Japanese health foods. Medium Koshin Shiitake are not in the top "donko" family, but are the whole mushroom and are a good everyday variety for stir-fries, soups, noodle dishes, etc.

There is strong evidence that higher grades of shiitake are more effective for healing purposes. Scientists now believe an important medicinal substance resides in the spores of shiitake which is the medicinal powder that falls from the under surface of the cap. The most common grades of shiitake are thinner and have open-caps. The highest grade of shiitake are donko, which are thicker and have closed-caps.

Nami-Nami Donko Shiitake are the fine grade of the donko-family of Shiitake mushrooms. Donko gives Shiitake mushrooms their nickname as the "Miracle Mushroom." Mitoku Donko Shiitake can be used in gourmet dishes or used as a medicinal tea.

Sun-Dried Shiitake Mushrooms are far superior due to the fact that they are the highest grade of all shiitake and are also sun-dried giving them 20% more vitamin D than other donko. Mitoku Sun-Dried Donko Shiitake are superior quality mushrooms that are hand-harvested at their peak of vitality, then carefully sun-dried; concentrating their exquisite flavor and goodness. Use with their soaking water for superb soups or sauces, or add to stir-fries, fried rice, noodles or casseroles.